Top skiers converge on Whistler for nine days of racing

Volunteers needed for Pontiac GMC Canadian Championships

In two weeks the top alpine skiers from across Canada will converge in Whistler to crown Canadian champions in all of the alpine disciplines: slalom, giant slalom, super giant slalom and downhill.

Members of the national team and national development team always set the bar high, but theres always room for members of provincial teams and clubs to create a few upsets. With Canadian Alpine Ski Team coaches on the sidelines, the championships are also an audition for up and coming talent.

Both senior and junior titles are on the line, as well as the overall titles in the national Pontiac GMC Cup series.

Its a massive undertaking and crews have already been hard at work to ensure things go off without a hitch. The safety crews have started to put up the safety netting, and others crews have been fixing the high lines and tunnel to allow skiers and spectators to pass through the course without safety concerns. Whistler-Blackcomb has also been hard at work grooming the downhill course, and has made the Dave Murray Downhill the run of the day to get more skiers on the run to further pack the snow.

Crew chiefs have also been meeting regularly, and this week put out a call for volunteers. Course set-up will run from March 15 to 19, downhill training days from March 20 to 22 and racing days from March 23 to 28.

The Whistler Weasel Workers estimate that they will need between 300 and 400 volunteers before, during and after the championships. As an incentive, volunteers can earn lift tickets or credits for season passes, up to five tickets for 12 days of work. Volunteers will also receive lunch each day and a pass to the always memorable volunteer party. If you work a minimum of five days, you can also receive a perk package, which includes an official Weasel Worker vest.

If you can spare some time, you can sign up at www.weaselworkers.com. Volunteer course coordinators can contact Natalie Pereman at 604-898-4199; gate volunteers can contact Robert Surtees at 604-932-7546; timing volunteers can contact Al Whitney at 604-932-3107, and security volunteers can contact Jim Mikolash at 604-619-7272. As always the organizers will be looking for experienced course slippers on training and race days. If you cant pre-register, you can register with the Slipper Coordinator at the top of the course prior to the race starts.